The Ultimate Guide to Trains in Perth & WA is a goldmine for little railfans and their grown‑ups, rounding up the best train‑themed spots across Perth and beyond. If your child loves Thomas, Chuggington or just about any engine that goes “choo‑choo”, there are plenty of ideas here for days out, mini adventures and even fun places to eat.
Attractions & Days Out
Western Australian Rail Transport Museum – Bassendean
The Western Australian Rail Transport Museum is the ultimate destination for train lovers in Perth. The museum is filled with historic steam locomotives and diesel engines, along with carriages and wagons to explore. Many of the trains and carriages are open to walk through – including the very special royal carriage, which is always a highlight. Keep an eye out for their annual Trainfest event too, which is a brilliant day out for families and not to be missed by little rail fans.
Kalamunda History Village – Steam Engine & Zig Zag
A big black steam engine can be found at the Kalamunda History Village. This old loco once hauled timber up and down the famous Zig Zag railway early last century, and today kids can get up close to it while exploring the museum’s historic buildings and displays. While the trains no longer run, families can still enjoy the scenic drive down the Zig Zag – a winding road that follows the old route down the edge of the Perth Hills, with stunning views over Perth along the way.
Amaze Miniature Park – Near Mandurah
Amaze Miniature Park, located just outside Mandurah, is a huge hit with kids who love trains and tiny worlds.
The standout for train fans is “Train Town”, a detailed miniature village with interactive model train sets. Kids will love pressing buttons to start and stop trains themselves, and spotting familiar faces like Thomas the Tank Engine in the displays.
Beyond the trains, the park features large hedge and wooden mazes, mini‑golf, beautiful gardens, a Playground and picnic areas, making it easy to spend several hours exploring.
Gosnells Railway Markets
Gosnells Railway Markets (or “Gozzy Markets” to the locals) is a fantastic spot for little train fans, with an actual steam locomotive and heaps of railway artefacts dotted around the undercover market. Kids can get up close to the big engine, play “spot the railway item” as they wander past vintage signals, crossing signs and even the cab of a diesel‑electric locomotive set up for photos. In between train‑spotting, families can browse stalls selling fresh produce, gifts, toys and retro finds, then refuel at the busy food court. If you still haven’t had your fill of trains, the Gosnells Oval All Abilities train‑themed Playground is just a few streets away.
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail – Mundaring & John Forrest National Park
One of the best examples of WA’s railway heritage is the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail. This 41km loop follows the old Eastern Railway formation through Mundaring and its surrounding villages.
Little legs might like to tackle just a small section, such as the part that runs through John Forrest National Park, where you can also explore the fascinating Swan View Tunnel. The trail also passes the Mundaring Sculpture Park Playground, where you’ll find remnants of the old train station platform and signals – a fun way for kids to imagine trains rumbling through.
It’s a great spot for a family walk, scooter or bike ride while soaking up a bit of local rail history.
Train Themed Playgrounds
Steam Train Adventure Playground, Baldivis
The Steam Train Adventure Playground in Baldivis is a must‑visit for little train enthusiasts.
The star of the show is the large climbing steam train play structure, complete with engine, carriages and slides. There are big climbing and sliding challenges for older children, as well as smaller elements and sand play areas that suit toddlers.
You’ll also find shaded seating and nearby grassed areas, making it perfect for a picnic stop if you’re travelling down the Kwinana Freeway, or heading towards Rockingham or Mandurah.
Gosnells Oval All Abilities Playground
Little train lovers of all abilities will adore the Gosnells Oval All Abilities Playground, a fully fenced, steam‑train‑themed space with its own “station”, locomotives and even a roundhouse feel. The main locomotive play structure sits on soft‑fall with ramps, toddler‑friendly climbing and a slide, plus there’s a separate wheelchair‑friendly train engine, sway hammock, wheelchair trampoline, inclusive rocker and loads of musical and sensory play panels. With an Auslan alphabet and communication board, nest swing, rockers and more, it’s a brilliantly inclusive spot that also pays homage to Gosnells’ railway history – and the real railway line and Gosnells Railway Markets are close by too.
Morgan John Morgan Reserve, Perth Hills
Morgan John Morgan Reserve is another favourite for families with train‑mad kids, thanks to its train‑themed play equipment.
Children can hop into the “carriages”, pretend to be the driver and explore different parts of the train structure. There’s space to run, room for imaginative play and areas nearby for parents to sit and watch.
It’s a great option if you’re looking to tick off multiple train Playgrounds around Perth.
Memorial Playground, Armadale
Armadale’s Memorial Playground features a fun train‑style play structure that younger kids will love climbing on and “driving”.
There’s enough equipment to keep children busy for a while, with room for imaginative play, simple climbing and sliding. It’s a nice one to add to your list if you’re exploring Playgrounds in the area and want a train‑themed stop.
Lake Leschenaultia Playground, Chidlow
In the Perth Hills, Lake Leschenaultia now has a beautifully crafted timber train Playground, making this already popular day‑trip spot even better for little rail fans. Next to the campsite office, the play area features a train with a slide, a little “station” and tunnel elements, plus nature play items like stepping logs, all shaded by tall trees. The lake itself was originally built to supply water for passing steam trains, so it’s a lovely nod to its history – and after a play on the train, families can enjoy swimming, picnics, bike rides or a walk around the lake.
Busselton Foreshore Toddler Train Playground
Close to the iconic Busselton Jetty you’ll find the Busselton Foreshore Toddler Train Playground. This cute little spot is designed especially for babies and toddlers, with low train carriages made for tiny climbers and explorers. It’s an ideal place for younger children to have a safe play while older siblings enjoy the foreshore, beach or a ride on the Busselton Jetty Tourist Train.
Railway Rides
Hotham Valley Railway – Dwellingup
The Hotham Valley Railway in Dwellingup is one of WA’s best‑known heritage railways and a fantastic day out for families who love old‑fashioned trains.
There are usually a couple of different services to choose from:
- Steam Ranger – A heritage steam train that runs through the jarrah forest, complete with open‑ended carriages so you can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of steam rail as you wind through the trees.
- Dwellingup Forest Railway / Restaurant Trains – Diesel‑hauled services and special event trains (including restaurant and evening services at certain times of the year).
The railway operates mainly on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays, with different timetables across the year, so it’s essential to check current running dates and book ahead.
Dwellingup itself makes a lovely family day trip, with Playgrounds, walks and other attractions nearby, so you can easily combine your train ride with a picnic or lunch in town.
Oliver Hill Train Ride – Rottnest Island
For kids who love both trains and history, the Oliver Hill Train Ride on Rottnest Island is a must.
The vintage‑style train takes you from the main settlement out to the Oliver Hill Battery, where you can join the Guns & Tunnels Tour to explore the WWII gun emplacements and underground tunnels. It’s a fascinating, educational experience with plenty of wow‑factor views.
The train ride and tunnels tour can usually be booked together as a package via Rottnest Island’s official booking channels.
Busselton Jetty – Tourist Train
At the Busselton Jetty, families can hop aboard the bright red Busselton Jetty Tourist Train for a scenic ride along the 1.8km timber jetty – the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Kids will love the gentle “clack‑clack” of the train as it trundles over the ocean towards the Underwater Observatory at the end of the jetty, with stunning views of Geographe Bay along the way. It’s a fun and easy way for little legs to experience the full length of the jetty without the long walk.
Bennett Brook Railway – Whiteman Park
The Bennett Brook Railway at Whiteman Park offers train rides through the park’s beautiful bushland. Kids can ride in small carriages behind vintage diesel and steam locomotives.
Trains generally run on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays, and there are special themed event days from time to time.
Services can vary with the seasons and events, so it’s always best to check the latest timetable and ticketing information before you visit.
Tourist Fun Train Company – Mandurah & Bunbury
In Mandurah and Bunbury, kids can ride the charming Tourist Fun Train Company trackless trains along the foreshore. In Mandurah, the big road‑licensed “Spirit of Mandurah” (Big Toot) takes families on a 30‑minute scenic tour around town, while the smaller “Mandjar Bay Funtrain” (Mini Toot) runs up and down the Eastern Foreshore near the Playground – perfect for younger children. There’s also a Mini Toot at Koombana Bay in Bunbury, operating near the Dolphin Discovery Centre. It’s an easy, fun way for little legs to explore the waterfront without too much walking.
Castledare Miniature Railway – Wilson
The Castledare Miniature Railway is a long‑time Perth family favourite. Miniature steam and diesel engines pull carriages along tracks running beside the Canning River – always a thrill for kids (and grown‑ups!).
Public run days are usually held on selected Sundays and public holidays, with different‑length routes depending on the event. Check their website or social media for current schedules and booking links.
Stirling Miniature Railway – Balcatta
The Stirling Miniature Railway in Balcatta is another brilliant miniature railway where kids can enjoy rides behind steam and diesel engines around shady grounds. It runs on the last Sunday of every month, usually from 10am to 2pm. Entry generally includes unlimited rides during your session. Online pre‑booking is recommended or required, and sessions often sell out
Toodyay Miniature Railway
The Toodyay Miniature Railway is a great excuse for a day trip to the historic Avon Valley town of Toodyay.
Miniature trains run on a short scenic loop, usually alongside the Avon River. The railway typically operates on selected Sundays from April to November, as well as some public holidays and special events.
Combine your visit with a stroll around Toodyay’s heritage buildings, shops and riverside Playgrounds for a lovely, relaxed family day out. Be sure to check their current operating days and times before you travel, as they are seasonal and weather‑dependent.
Cohunu Koala Park – Train Ride
At Cohunu Koala Park in Byford, beyond cuddling koalas and feeding kangaroos, you can also take a charming miniature train ride.
The miniature railway winds its way through the park, offering a fun and relaxing way to see the animals and attractions. It’s a gentle ride that’s perfect for younger children and adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit to the wildlife park.
Eating Out on Trains
Dome Bassendean – Century‑Old Train Carriage Dining
For a truly unique dining experience, head to Dome Bassendean where you can enjoy a babycino (or coffee!) in a century‑old train carriage!
The beautifully restored carriage features cosy booths with comfy leather seats, offering a charming and memorable setting for breakfast, morning tea or lunch with the kids. It’s a great way to combine a meal with a touch of railway history.
Alfred’s Kitchen – Heritage Train Carriages, Perth
A few years ago, one of Perth’s most beloved hole‑in‑the‑wall burger joints, Alfred’s Kitchen, added a unique dining area with the inclusion of heritage train carriages.
Kids will absolutely love chomping on a delicious burger inside these historic carriages, making for a fun and memorable family meal out. It’s a classic Perth institution with a cool train twist!
Mount Helena Tavern – Perth Hills
The Mount Helena Tavern & Restaurant in the Perth Hills combines a relaxed family meal with a fantastic train‑inspired Playground in the beer garden.
The custom‑built train‑style play structure offers loads of climbing, sliding and imaginative play for kids, while parents can sit nearby and enjoy their food and drinks. It’s a brilliant destination for a weekend lunch or dinner if you’re exploring the Hills.
Gosnells Hotel – “Gos‑warts Express” Train Carriage
All aboard the “Gos‑warts Express” at the Gosnells Hotel! This family‑friendly pub offers a fantastic train carriage where kids can enjoy their pub grub.
Beyond the fun of dining in a train, there’s also a great Playground nearby to keep them entertained. It’s a popular spot for family meals and even birthday parties, offering a complete package of food and play.
From the bustling miniature railways of Perth to the historic steam engines of the Perth Hills and the charming tourist trains of regional WA, there’s a train adventure waiting for every family. Whether your little one dreams of being a train driver, loves the chug‑chug of a steam engine, or simply enjoys a meal delivered by rail, this guide has you covered. So pack your bags, check those timetables, and get ready to embark on some unforgettable train‑themed fun across Western Australia!
Have we missed your favourite place for spotting trains in Perth? Let us know in the coments below!
Find more things to do with kids in Perth here.
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
You are missing the train at Gourley park in East Fremantle.
Miniature trains that are interactive at Amaze Miniature Park in Mandurah!